In recent years, some Chinese movie stars have been trying their hand at getting BEHIND the camera, and producing movies. At Wednesday's Film Festival forum, directors, agents and actors discussed the pros and cons of having a big name in charge of a movie's big budget.

Well-known actor Huang Xiaoming not only starred in the movie An Inaccurate Memoir, but was also one of its producers. He says it's hard to earn money from this kind of investment.

Huang Xiaoming said, "I know it's tough for actors to be involved in the production process. Only 20 to 30 percent of the attempts are successful. But I still tried, because I think in China we need those directors who are young, energetic and talented. The reason I invest is regardless of money. It's friendship. "

But a director on the panel said a producer's motivation is important.

HK director Wong Man-chun said, "If the movie stars can help attract a better script and cast, it is good. But if they are involved just because they are eyeing the profit of the production process, I don't think it's a good idea. "

There are some success stories. Here in China, actress Fan Bingbing founded her own studio in 2007, and has so far produced more than 10 TV series and movies. Stars as producers are also common in Hollywood. Bruce Willis and George Clooney have their own production companies, and Brad Pitt says he will end his acting career in 2013 and become a producer.

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